The Georgian Trail where we went to see the Lilacs is in fact the old railway bed of the former Northern Railway, which provided passenger service to Collingwood, Craigleith, Thornbury and Meaford from 1872 to 1960. The most iconic memory of its service is the ski trains that ran from downtown Toronto to Blue Mountain during the 40s and 50s.
The station is one of the few original stations to survive, now in operation as a museum, the Craigleith Heritage Depot. It has that round corner turret that is a mark of classic railway station architecture in the late 1800s.
Ski trains from Toronto unloaded here and skiers were taken on to the hills by horse and sleigh. Thus Blue Mountain got its start as a a ski resort.
The famous Canadian railway engineer who developed the concept of time zones around the world which is still in use lived here in Craigleith.
Mrs. F.G. was glad to find this notice on the outdoor bulletin board (which badly needed a fresh coat of paint) that encouraged her to pick a bouquet of Lilacs without feeling guilty. She had come prepared with her clippers.
On the way home we stopped at the harbour in Thornbury and had a good view of the perfectly calm waters of the bay, over the boulder breakwall.
It appeared that they had extended and perhaps heightened this part of the breakwater, protecting the marina from the fall storm waves. The docks here stay in the water over winter.
They had most of the sailboats already in the water ready for a busy season of summer sailing. I guess you can practice social distancing easily when you're out sailing.
It's a beautiful sunny day here, and I was out on the deck having my coffee this morning enjoying the day. Not too hot, nor too cool. I think I've fallen into a rather dull routine here over the past 3 months. I think of it as trying to find peace and accept the fact that I can't do much, and in fact I do feel very accepting and peaceful. But if I have 20 years left, I need to get a lot more active and busy!
I love old train stations. Such a sense of history in and around them. Great bay view, with those huge boulders. I'm glad Mrs.G got some lilacs!
ReplyDeleteI think considering your situation that you are doing amazingly well. I am so happy to hear of your burgeoning sense of peace and acceptance. It makes me hopeful for my own ability to learn the lessons of age. I love your ruminations. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou had a nice day out and about! Yes stay in the best shape possible!!
ReplyDeleteLove that spirit FG. You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great old station! It looks like it was a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteYour mind and your words, you are busy, just not the older physical way . We all need to learn acceptance, and my time has arrived right now. Energetic housework has gone, I sit and watch someone else do the floors, clean the cupboard doors, tidy the freezer, as our daughter said last week, " Mum, it's far easier to help than ask for help'. she will be laid up in a plaster cast for 6 weeks after thumb surgery in a few weeks, then a second lighter cast for another 6 weeks. This will extend from finger tips to elbow from what I can gather, and will limit every activity, either housework, baking, or knitting and gardening. Fancy arriving by train then a horse and sleigh ride to go skiing!!! That would be a huge adventure before you even put your skis on.
ReplyDeleteI would hate to say that inviting others to cut flowers here would be a disaster! But it is nice they stuff to share! I can imagine the costumes one used for skiiing back then!!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have ever seen a train station that I did not love. This one is a beauty. And wonderful that Mrs. FG could take some lilacs home. I bet your vehicle smelled wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI think old train stations, rails, and trains, represent a fascinating history of our land from sea to sea. So romantic and often written about in lyric and song. Gordon Lightfoot comes to mind with his Railroad Trilogy. You are a fine example to all of us out here FG. You accept your challenges and then meet them head on.
ReplyDeleteThere is something about old train stations and old museum buildings. I don't even need to real all the paraphernelia on the walls and in displays. I just love standing in the structures and admiring the walls, ceilings, lighting (if it's old) and floors. Thank you for the sign about lilacs. I've always wished I could pick some but felt I was stealing. With a copy of that photo on my phone, I can prove to others that I am helping the bush! :)
ReplyDeleteHere in the States some of the towns were able to keep the train stations. They were made into museums and or community rooms to rent for occasions. Most I've seen were never quite so beautiful. Janice
ReplyDeleteAge and injuries slow us down and limit what we can do; sometimes limitations are hard to accept, but if we don't accept our limitations it will destroy us. That's quite the breakwater, I don't think I've ever seen one that high. Lilacs have a wonderful aroma, can't imagine what it smelled like in your vehicle, glad you could take some home.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us on your journey! I love the rocks best! It is a beautiful part of Canada.
ReplyDeletewhat a beautiful old railway, i enjoyed reading about it. photographing signs is always a great way to remember information we think we may forget. too bad a lot of the print was so small!!
ReplyDeletei LOVE the lilacs sign, i wish more people would do that. i carry clippers in the car but have been discouraged lately, even from cutting wild flowers...people here say you should leave them for other to enjoy!! i do wish that cut lilacs lasted longer, mine faded very quickly this year!! "dull routine", i'll have to get back to you on that. i am not reading dull!!